Drone-mounted handgun, flamethrower reignite lawmaker debate

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Drone-mounted handgun, flamethrower reignite lawmaker debate

HARTFORD— A video last year of a Connecticut teen’s armed drone is reigniting efforts to regulate the devices in the state.

Similar legislation cleared the Senate last year, but died in the House of Representatives due to inaction. Weeks later, that video of the armed drone was posted.

Rep. Christie Carpino is co-chair of the legislature’s Program Review and Investigations Committee. She said the video renewed the committee’s interest in resurrecting the drone legislation. Her panel is holding a public hearing Monday on a bill that would create a new felony for those who weaponize unmanned aerial devices.

Meanwhile, another hearing is planned Tuesday on a second bill that would also restrict drone use.

Bret Haughwout said his 19-year-old son Austin did nothing wrong and that a new Connecticut law is unnecessary.